Arizona Requirements concern

[DDSdude]

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I noticed that Arizona requires you to have two semesters of "Algebra based" physics. I have two semesters of Trig based physics. I called admissions there to clear up the confusion and was told I would need to retake both semesters in an algebra based physics course.

I was wondering if anyone has any comments or feedback. Has anyone heard different? If this is the case and there is no way to get around it than it may effect other applicants applying there.

Thanks in advance.

 

[msf41]

What is algebra based physics??? I haven't heard of a class by that name before. I took trig based physics. I know that some people take calculus based physics. I'd call the school back and recheck if that is really the case.

One reason they may be asking you to retake is because your physics class didn't have a lab associated with it. Was your physics class college level (not gen ed credit) and did it have a lab?

 

[DDSdude]

Sorry I should have clarified the class I took. It was college physics for majors with a lab each semester. She said if it isn't algebra based than it won't meet the requirement. I won't take that as fact yet until I can talk to someone else there but it was a concern I had.

I have also noticed that other schools require one semester of English Comp and one semester of English lit. Undergrad requirements in AZ for English were ENG101 and ENG102, both say Composition 1 and Composition 2. Maybe I am worrying too much about it but I don't want any surprises down the road.

 

[onetoothleft]

I was a physics major and teacher, so I think I can explain this because it can be very confusing. There are three levels of freshman physics taught at most universities.

1. Physical Science (usually just a one semester course)
2. Algebra based physics AKA "college physics"
3. Calculus based physics AKA "university physics"

Algebra based physics is also called "college physics". It is more commonly called "college based" than "trig based" (although you had some trig I am sure). It consists of two semesters of Lecture and probably two semesters of lab. From what I read in your post, you took algebra based physics already. So don't worry, you are just fine.

Calculus based physics (or "university physics") is for physics majors, and is unnecessary for any type of medical profession, except maybe nuclear medicine or something.

 

[demonicr]

I noticed that Arizona requires you to have two semesters of "Algebra based" physics. I have two semesters of Trig based physics. I called admissions there to clear up the confusion and was told I would need to retake both semesters in an algebra based physics course.

I was wondering if anyone has any comments or feedback. Has anyone heard different? If this is the case and there is no way to get around it than it may effect other applicants applying there.

Thanks in advance.

you should call and check again, who ever you talk to probably don't know what he/she taking about. as far as i know, dental school only require college physics, which is algebra/trig base. they also take general physics in place of it, which is calc base. so unless you take one of the one semester type physics course, such as the one people use to fullfill a science class, you met the requirement, so u have nothing to worry about

 

[ItsGavinC]

I have two semesters of Trig based physics. I called admissions there to clear up the confusion and was told I would need to retake both semesters in an algebra based physics course.

That is flat-out and completely wrong. You do NOT need to retake any Physics. With those courses, you have completed the requirement.

Sorry for any confusion (I go to Arizona).